About MDOT SHA

Office of Real Estate (ORE)

Mission Statement

The Office of Real Estate's mission is to acquire real estate and provide real estate services for the State Highway Administration and other Maryland Department of Transportation (and State) projects in a timely, effective and customer-oriented manner.

Director's Office

The Director's Office is responsible for the implementation of SHA wide policies within ORE and for the formulation and implementation of ORE wide policies and procedures.

Appraisal Review Division

This division is responsible for the review of all appraisals used in the acquisitions of real estate and for the setting of the just compensation to be offered to the property owners.

Property Review Division

This division is responsible for the review of all real estate acquisitions to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. It also presents cases to the State Roads Commission for approval to start condemnation proceedings when negotiations fail.

Real Estate Administration Division

This division is responsible for the administrative support functions for ORE. The division is composed of five sections:

Real Estate Advisory Group (REAG)

This section maintains and researches an inventory of all MDOT real estate holdings. It coordinates the inventory activities with the other modal administrations and MDOT Headquarters.

Real Estate Sales Section

This section is responsible for the disposal of excess SHA real estate.

Records and Research Section

This section is responsible for the maintenance and storage of all records pertaining to the acquisition of real estate for SHA. It is also responsible for the research of SHA's claim to existing right-of-way.

Right-of-Way District Offices (7)

These Offices are parallel to and under the administrative control of the District Engineer's Offices. These Offices are responsible for the field activities associated with the acquisition of right-of-way for the Capital Program and the district operations. These activities include providing cost estimates, appraisals, relocation assistance and the acquisition of real estate. The District Offices are also responsible for the rental of surplus SHA real estate within the district's boundaries.

Road Conveyance Section

This section is responsible for the transfer of road segments from SHA to various local agencies.

Special Acquisition Division

This division is responsible for real estate acquisitions from utilities and other public agencies and for special programs such as enhancements and wetland mitigation. It also takes on other acquisition projects in support of the District Offices as assigned by the Director. The coordination of the Outdoor Advertising Program is also assigned to this division.